2015 F150 with 3.5 turbo & max tow?
06-01-2015, 11:16 AM
#11
If you mean the maximum tow pkg (53C), then I have a couple of suggestions to result in a much better towing machine.
With the standard payload capacity, your 8,500 pound boat will probably result in an overloaded F-150. You'll have more than enough pulling power (GCWR and tow rating), but you'll probably bump up against the GVWR (payload capacity) of the F-150.
So add the Heavy Duty Payload package (627) to your order. Then you won't have to worry about how much weight you add in the truck or boat when towing.
Also add the PowerScope trailer tow mirrors. With that big of a boat, you'll need them, and they are no longer included as a part of the max tow pkg.
The EcoBoost engine can be either ECOnomical or BOOSTed for more power. But not both at the same time. When you are cruising along without the twin turbos working, then you get fantastic MPG. Your wife will be pleased. But when you turn on those turbos to get more BOOST, then MPG goes out the window. And dragging an 8,500 pound load means the twin turbos will be working often. So you can get 20 MPG if you baby the truck when not towing, but half that when towing at highway speeds.
With the standard payload capacity, your 8,500 pound boat will probably result in an overloaded F-150. You'll have more than enough pulling power (GCWR and tow rating), but you'll probably bump up against the GVWR (payload capacity) of the F-150.
So add the Heavy Duty Payload package (627) to your order. Then you won't have to worry about how much weight you add in the truck or boat when towing.
Also add the PowerScope trailer tow mirrors. With that big of a boat, you'll need them, and they are no longer included as a part of the max tow pkg.
The EcoBoost engine can be either ECOnomical or BOOSTed for more power. But not both at the same time. When you are cruising along without the twin turbos working, then you get fantastic MPG. Your wife will be pleased. But when you turn on those turbos to get more BOOST, then MPG goes out the window. And dragging an 8,500 pound load means the twin turbos will be working often. So you can get 20 MPG if you baby the truck when not towing, but half that when towing at highway speeds.
The ability to not activate the turbos during daily, non-towing driving is one of the attractive features of the 3.5 turbo.
The specifications I generated and sent to the dealers included the adjustable towing mirrors. I saw a couple trucks with them this weekend and they are huge.
I haven't been able to find the heavy duty payload option on the 3.5 L turbo, super crew cab with a 5.5 bed. Are you sure that is an available option on that model?
The information that I have found on the payload for that truck is 2070 pounds. From what I've read about towing ratings, the first 150 pounds of the driver is considered part of the normal load as is a full tank of gas. Assuming three additional passengers at 200 pounds each, 300 pounds of cargo and about 800 pounds of tongue weight, I'm still 370 pounds below payload load capacity. The tongue weight is overcapacity, but I've been doing that for 12 years with the Tahoe without a problem. Boats seem to do better with a lower percentage of the total trailer weight as tongue weight than do travel trailers.
I will double check with the dealers about the extra payload capacity option, but I have specifically looked in the Ford literature and in the online "build your own" websites and haven't seen it. Is that something that's going to be available later in the year?
Thanks to everyone for their input and sharing their experience.
Last edited by ADM1953; 06-01-2015 at 11:19 AM.
06-01-2015, 11:52 AM
#12
Senior Member
It's not. You need to go to the 6.5 foot bed, 157" WB to get the HD payload package. If you're set on the 5.5' bed you're S.O.L.
06-01-2015, 11:57 PM
#13
Grumpy Old Man
What EventHorizon said. The HD Payload pkg is not available with the shorty bed.
Also you cannot fancy up the Lariat trim if you get the HD Payload pkg. Lariat base (500A) trim is available, but not 501A or 502A.
Also you cannot fancy up the Lariat trim if you get the HD Payload pkg. Lariat base (500A) trim is available, but not 501A or 502A.